I’ve never been to a festival where the food and drink situation hails back to grade school sock hops.

2. The Scenery

The woods are only as big, or as small, as you think they are. The first two hours left my toes covered in blisters, but by the afternoon, things were looking up. The winding dirt roads began to make a little sense. It may sound like some hippie shit, but if you’re going to get lost at any festival, pick this one. It’s effing gorgeous.

On getting lost: for the first time in my life, I had the horrifying, movie-esque realization that I had been walking in circles. With dirt paths opening and closing, and gates disappearing and reappearing. It felt like The Labyrinth, with David Bowie possibly waiting at the end (too soon?).

3. Food Options

The vendors definitely know their audience! From the delicious breakfast and options like Gouda Bros, to the vegan-friendly Solar Cafe, you’ll definitely score big in the food dept.

4. The Stars

I didn’t grow up under the city lights. Often I yearn for a big, au naturel beautiful night sky, and Wanee delivers. The stars burn bright under the cloak of darkness the woods provides.

5. All Ages Indeed

When you think of summer music fests, you probably think of tanned 20-something girls, adorned with crowns of daisies, or shirtless, sweaty young men with neon green sunglasses. Not Wanee. It was borderline shocking to see someone under the age of 30. I now have a clear picture of what me and my friends will look like at the 20th anniversary of Mad Decent’s Block Party: mad 40-something, mad reminiscent of our youth, despite the changing times. Do you, Olds; do you.

6. Bugs

Just because there aren’t mosquitoes in your neck of the woods this early in the year, doesn’t mean they aren’t here. They are.

Favorite quotes from Wanee:

At the food truck: “You guys take tickets, right?” “Yup, unless you got any drugs you don’t want.”

“We knew there was a problem, so we had to call his mom, like, ‘Hey, Brian’s mom? Yeah, your son thinks he’s a lamp...and he’s in love with an actual lamp…”